Rear-facing child vehicle restraint system

ABSTRACT

A child restraint system offers a safe, compact, configuration flexible, and easy to use restraint for a small child in a vehicle. The child is secured in a five-point harness attached to a framework of straps with hooks or other attachment hardware. The framework is in turn attached to manufacturer latches secured to the vehicle via the attachment hardware. The system may be configured in forward-facing or rearward-facing orientations depending on the size and age of the child.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/434,386 filed 1 May 2009 entitled “Child restraint system,” now U.S. Pat. No. 8,210,617, which is a is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/636,777 filed 12 Dec. 2006 entitled “Child harness restraint,” now abandoned, each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technology described herein relates to vehicle restraint systems for children.

BACKGROUND

Manufacturers of motor vehicle components and accessories sold in the U.S.A. must conform and certify compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) issued through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). FMVSS 213 contains requirements for child restraint systems used in motor vehicles and aircraft. FMVSS 213 defines a Child Restraint System (CRS) as any device, except Type I or Type II seat belts, designed for use in a motor vehicle or aircraft (collectively hereinafter a “vehicle”) to restrain, seat, or position children who weigh 66.1 lbs. or less. Further, various state laws and regulations have been enacted that require the use of certain types of CRSs such as rear-facing infant car seats, forward-facing infant car seats, and booster seats when restraining children of certain weights and/or ages.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has advised the medical profession that over thirty percent of infants are either too small or too large for a standard child car seat. As a result, these children are at increased risk for apnea, bradycarda, and oxygen desaturation when restrained in a standard child car seat while being transported in a vehicle as required by FMVSS 213 and the various state laws and regulations.

Over ten million rigid child car seats have been recalled with various problems that may compromise the safety of the restrained child. Further, it takes over thirty hours of training to be qualified to install a rigid infant car seat correctly. In addition, it often takes at least one hour for even a qualified person to properly install a rigid infant car seat in a vehicle. As a result, over ninety percent of child car seats are installed incorrectly due to a lack of installation training, a lack time to correctly install the child car seat, and/or the incompatibility of numerous vehicle mounting locations and seat configurations with the present hard shell CRSs.

Further, many hard shell CRSs are installed using OEM seatbelts. More specifically, a lap belt secures a bottom portion of the hard shell CRS and a shoulder belt secures an upper portion of the hard shell CRS. However, the single shoulder belt's diagonal orientation fails to prevent the back of the hard shell CRS from shifting with respect to the vehicle seat when the vehicle comes to an abrupt stop.

Additional concerns with the present hard shell CRSs include the weight and portability of the child car seats. These child car seats are often bulky and may weigh up to 18 lbs. Further, such child car seats may be difficult to carry and install due to their size and/or weight. Still further, individuals such as the elderly and other persons with limited physical strength may be unable to lift and carry bulky and/or heavy child car seats.

The average weight of a hard seat CRS is approximately 18 lbs. Therefore, taking into account the weight of the CRS, the maximum weight of a restrained child is reduced significantly. In the event of an accident, a lighter CRS allows standard automotive child restraint latches to survive faster crash speeds and/or a heavier restrained child. Further, the presence of a heavy hard shell seat creates an increased possibility that in the event of an accident, the seat may break loose and become airborne, potentially causing injuries.

The information included in this Background section of the specification, including any references cited herein and any description or discussion thereof, is included for technical reference purposes only and is not to be regarded subject matter by which the scope of the invention as defined in the claims is to be bound.

SUMMARY

A vehicle child restraint system (CRS) for forward and/or rear facing installations is presently disclosed. The CRS may include various features to restrict the movement of the restrained child and adjust the orientation of the CRS, for example, a swaddle vest, a booster seat, body containment bumper, head guard, and a vehicle headrest anchor. The CRS may also utilize the vehicle manufacturer installed tether latches, if available, for installation.

The CRS described herein avoids the use of a hard shell seat and provides safe and effective restraint for children of various sizes and ages. The CRS may encompass forward and/or rear facing configurations that allow children of various sizes and ages to be comfortably protected without jeopardizing their safety. One implementation of the CRS is quickly and easily installed by a user without technical training. Another implementation of the CRS weighs less than a standard child car seat, thus allowing the CRS to restrain a heavier child without exceeding the capacity of the manufacturer installed child restraint latches. Yet another implementation of the CRS meets all applicable requirements of the NHTSA 49 CFR 571 standards.

In one implementation, a rear-facing child restraint system has a framework of straps, a back support, and a child restraint harness. The framework may have a first longitudinal strap with longitudinal ends. An adjustment device may be moveably attached to the first longitudinal strap to adjust a length of the first longitudinal strap. A first attachment device may be affixed to a first longitudinal end of the first longitudinal strap for direct selective attachment to an attachment structure of a vehicle on or behind a rear seatback of a vehicle. Two outer longitudinal straps may be spaced apart from the first longitudinal strap and have forward ends. Two or more lateral straps may be affixed directly to the first longitudinal strap and the two outer longitudinal straps. The back support may be affixed to the first longitudinal strap, the two outer longitudinal straps, and to two or more of the two or more lateral straps. The child restraint harness may be connected to the framework and configured to restrain a body of a child from substantial movement within the child restraint harness. Two crevice straps, each with a first end and a second end, may also be provided. The first ends may be directly connected to the framework, the child restraint harness, or both. Second attachment devices may be affixed to each second longitudinal end of the crevice straps. The framework may be divided into a back support section and a seatback section that are configured to form an angle of not more than 70 degrees with respect to each other. When the back support section is positioned over a rear seat cushion of the vehicle, the seatback section is positioned against a rear seatback of the vehicle. The second attachment devices on the crevice straps may be configured for direct selective attachment to respective attachment structures of the vehicle located in a crevice between the rear seatback and the rear seat cushion of the vehicle. The forward ends of the two outer longitudinal straps may extend from the back support section and may be configured for direct selective attachment to respective attachment structures of the vehicle beneath a front seat of the vehicle.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. A more extensive presentation of features, details, utilities, and advantages of the present invention as defined in the claims is provided in the following written description of various embodiments of the invention and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a front view of an example CRS incorporating an auxiliary strap in a front-facing configuration.

FIG. 1B is a front view of an example CRS with a detachable auxiliary strap in a front-facing configuration.

FIG. 1C is a front view of an example CRS with an integrated harness in a front-facing configuration.

FIG. 2A is an isometric view of an example CRS attached to a seatback of a vehicle.

FIG. 2B is an isometric view of an example framework attached to a seatback of a vehicle.

FIG. 2C is an isometric view of an example framework and back support attached to a seatback of a vehicle.

FIG. 2D is an isometric view of an example five-point harness to be used in conjunction with a framework to make up a CRS.

FIG. 2E is an isometric view of an example longitudinal strap, shoulder strap and hip strap configured as one continuous strap to be used with a CRS.

FIG. 2F is a partial front view of an example five-point harness to be used with a CRS.

FIG. 3A is an elevation view of an example front-facing CRS incorporating a booster seat positioned on top of a vehicle seat.

FIG. 3B is an isometric view of an example booster seat to be used in conjunction with a front-facing CRS.

FIG. 4A is a top view of an example CRS incorporating an auxiliary strap in a rear-facing configuration.

FIG. 4B is a top view of an example CRS without an auxiliary strap in a rear-facing configuration.

FIG. 5A is an isometric view of a first example rear-facing CRS adapted to attach to front and rear seats of a vehicle.

FIG. 5B is an elevation view of a second example rear-facing CRS adapted to attach to front and rear seats of a vehicle.

FIG. 5C is a front view of an auxiliary strap for attaching a CRS to a floorboard anchor point on a vehicle.

FIG. 6A is a left side elevation view of an example front-facing swaddle vest to be used in conjunction with a CRS.

FIG. 6B is a left side elevation view of an example rear-facing swaddle vest to be used in conjunction with a CRS.

FIG. 6C is a front elevation view of an example swaddle vest to be used in conjunction with a CRS.

FIG. 6D is a front elevation view of an example swaddle vest with attached shoulder straps to be used in conjunction with a CRS.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of an example headrest anchor to be used in conjunction with a CRS.

FIG. 8A is an isometric view of an example body containment bumper to be used in conjunction with a CRS.

FIG. 8B is an isometric view of a first example head guard to be used in conjunction with a CRS.

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a second example head guard to be used in conjunction with a CRS.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A child restraint system (CRS) used to safely secure a child in a motor vehicle or aircraft (collectively hereinafter a “vehicle”) is disclosed herein. The CRS may be forward-facing, rear-facing, or both depending on the user's configuration of the CRS and applicable laws and regulations. The CRS may include a framework of straps and/or belts configured to secure a harness containing a child to a vehicle seat. Further, the CRS may include reinforced mesh, foam, and/or padding that spans a distance between the straps and/or belts of the framework to enhance the support and restraint of a child secured in the harness.

One implementation of the harness utilizes five-points of contact (e.g. left shoulder, right shoulder, left waist or hip, right waist or hip, and groin) to secure the child in either a forward-facing or rear-facing configuration. Another implementation of the harness utilizes two or three of the five-points of contact to secure the child. The CRS may include a secondary fabric harness or swaddle vest designed to adapt the CRS to restrain a smaller child. The swaddle vest may be configured to encompass a portion of the child's body and, when not attached to the CRS, the swaddle vest may be equipped with adjustable shoulder straps that a care provider can use to transport the child to and from the vehicle.

Another implementation of the CRS incorporates a padded back support configured to provide an additional comfort level and help the child to maintain a desired position. Further, a forward-facing implementation of the CRS may incorporate a booster seat formed from an upholstered, foam cushion. The booster seat can adapt the forward-facing CRS to properly fit a smaller child by increasing a height of the smaller child relative to the CRS. The booster seat can be used in conjunction with the CRS until the child is large enough to utilize the CRS safely and comfortably without the booster seat. As a result, the CRS is suitable for use with children of all ages, including infants and toddlers.

A CRS may also incorporate a headrest anchor. The headrest anchor can be secured between a top of a vehicle seat and a corresponding seat headrest. The head rest posts extend through holes in the headrest anchor and into head rest apertures. Alternatively, the headrest anchor may be strapped to the vehicle's front seat or headrest. The CRS restraint hardware, adjusters, hooks, buckles, harness clips, rings, strapping, belting, and any other components used in the fabrication, assembly, and/or use of the CRS may meet various domestic and international safety standards for CRSs used in vehicles.

FIG. 1A is a front view of an example CRS 100 with an auxiliary strap 104 in a front-facing configuration. The CRS 100 includes at least two longitudinal straps 108 configured to attach the CRS 100 to a vehicle seat. The longitudinal straps 108 run generally vertically, but may gradually come closer together at one end of the CRS 100 depending upon the location of the attachment points on the vehicle seat. The CRS 100 depicted in FIG. 1A also includes an optional auxiliary strap 104 to further attach the CRS 100 to the vehicle seat. Depending upon the number and configuration of the attachment points on or near the vehicle seat, auxiliary straps 104 may be used.

Further, the lengths of the auxiliary strap 104 and longitudinal straps 108 can be varied through the use of adjustors 112. Rings 116, hooks 120, clips, and/or other attachment devices are utilized at the ends of the auxiliary strap 104 and longitudinal straps 108 to attach the CRS 100 to attachment points on the vehicle, hereinafter latches. While, two lateral support straps 124 are shown connecting the auxiliary strap 104 and longitudinal straps 108 together, additional lateral support straps 124 may be used. In combination, the auxiliary strap 104, longitudinal straps 108, and lateral support straps 124 form a framework 146 to which a back support 128 may be attached.

The back support 128 may include padding (e.g., foam, batting, and gel), covering (e.g., vinyl-coated polyester, nylon mesh, cotton fabric, and rubber), and/or reinforcement (e.g. vertical and/or horizontal ribbing, paperboard, and reinforced fabric). In the implementation of FIG. 1A, the back support 128 extends horizontally across the entire width of the CRS 100 and vertically from the top horizontal support strap 124 to the bottom horizontal support strap 124. Alternate implementations of the CRS 100 include various number and arrangements of the longitudinal straps 108, lateral support straps 124, and auxiliary strap 104. Further, in alternative implementations the back support 128 spans only a portion of the framework 146.

The CRS 100 of FIG. 1A also includes a harness 132 attached to framework 146 for securing a child in the CRS 100. The harness 132 shown in FIG. 1A is a five-point harness, however, other implementations of a harness 132 attached to the framework 146 are contemplated (e.g., three point and two point harnesses). The five-point harness 132 of FIG. 1A has two shoulder straps 136, a hip strap 140, and a groin strap 144. The hip strap 140 extends from the framework 146 behind the child's hips and the two ends of the hip strap 140 are configured to wrap around the child's hips and come together in front and at the center of the child's waist or groin. The shoulder straps 136 extend from the framework 146 behind the child's shoulder blades and are configured to wrap over the top of the child's shoulders and come together in the same location as the ends of the hip strap 140. The groin strap 144 extends from the framework 146 behind the child's buttocks, between the child's legs, and in front of the child's pelvic region ending at the same location as the ends of the hip strap 140 and the shoulder straps 136. A buckle 148, or other engagement structure, is attached to the end of the groin strap 144 and is configured to selectively attach to clasps 150 at the ends of the hip strap 140, and shoulder straps 136 in front and at the center of the child's waist or groin. The size of the five-point harness 132 may be adjustable depending upon the size of the framework 146 and the child contained within the five-point harness 132.

The CRS 100 of FIG. 1A may have example dimensions as follows. In various implementations, the overall length (a) of CRS 100 is approximately 22 inches. Further, the distance (e) the longitudinal straps 108 extend above the back support 128 is approximately 12 inches and the distance (b) the longitudinal straps 108 extend below the back support 128 is approximately 5 inches. The distance (d) the auxiliary strap 104 extends above the back support 128 is approximately 8 inches. The dimensions of the longitudinal straps 108 and/or auxiliary strap 104 may vary considerably due to the adjustor 112 varying the length of the longitudinal straps 108 and/or auxiliary strap 104. The height (c) of back support 128 is approximately 9 inches while the width of the back support 128 may narrow along with the longitudinal straps 108. The width at the bottom (g) of the back support 128 is approximately 10 inches while the width at the top (f) is approximately 8 inches. These example dimensions are for purposes of illustration only and other dimensions may also be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the CRS 100 disclosed herein.

FIG. 1B illustrates an alternate implementation of a CRS 100 in a front-facing configuration with a detachable auxiliary strap 104. Similar to the CRS 100 shown in FIG. 1A, the CRS 100 in FIG. 1B is equipped with a framework 146, a back support 128, and a five-point harness 132. Dissimilar to the CRS 100 in FIG. 1A, the longitudinal straps 108 of the framework 146 in FIG. 1B run completely vertically and do not come closer together at one end of the CRS 100. Further, the CRS 100 depicted in FIG. 1B utilizes hooks 120 or clips rather than rings 116 at both ends of the two longitudinal straps 108.

The detachable auxiliary strap 104 in FIG. 1B may be equipped with hooks 120, clips, and/or other attachment devices at the ends and an adjustor 112 integrated into the body of the auxiliary strap 104 to vary its length. The auxiliary strap 104 may be attached in a variety of locations on the CRS 100 depending upon the location of the corresponding latches in the vehicle.

FIG. 1C is a front view of an example CRS 100 with an integrated harness in a front-facing configuration. Similar to the CRS 100 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the CRS 100 in FIG. 1C is equipped with a five-point harness as described with respect to FIG. 1A including longitudinal straps 108 that form shoulder straps 136 and hip straps 140 with clasps 150 thereon, and a groin strap 144 with a buckle 140 to which the clasps 150 attach. In the implementation of FIG. 1C, the shoulder straps 136, hip strap 140, and groin strap 144 are integral portions or sections of the longitudinal straps 108 rather than merely being attached to a framework which includes longitudinal straps 108. Thus, in the configuration of FIG. 1C, the harness is integrated into the framework to form the CRS 100 rather than being merely attached to the framework to form the CRS 100.

More specifically, the CRS 100 includes at least three longitudinal straps 108 configured to attach the CRS 100 to a vehicle seat and restrain a child. The longitudinal straps 108 run generally vertically, but may gradually come closer together at one end of the CRS 100 depending upon the location of latches on the vehicle. The outer two longitudinal straps 108 extend along a length of the CRS 100 behind a restrained child's back and wrap around a lateral support strap 124 located near the top of the CRS 100.

Once each longitudinal strap 108 wraps around the lateral support strap 124, the longitudinal straps 108 either become shoulder straps 136 or shoulder straps 136 are attached to the ends of each longitudinal strap 108. While not shown in FIG. 1C, the shoulder straps 136 wrap over and around the child's shoulders and are attached to a buckle located near the child's groin (see FIG. 2E).

Also not shown in FIG. 1C, hip straps 140 extend out of the buckle located near the child's groin toward hooks 120 configured to secure the CRS 100 to a vehicle latches. In one implementation, the hip straps 140 are connected to the buckle separately from the shoulder straps 136. In another implementation, the hip straps 140 are attached to the ends of each shoulder strap 136. In yet another implementation, the hip straps extend seamlessly from each shoulder strap 136 (see FIG. 2F).

In the implementation shown in FIG. 1C, the hip straps 140 extend through slots in hooks 120 and then continue seamlessly as longitudinal straps 108. In other implementations, the hip straps 140 are connected to the hooks 120 separately from the longitudinal straps 108. In a still further implementation, the hip straps 140 are attached to the ends of each longitudinal strap 108. Therefore, in some implementations, the combination of each outer longitudinal strap 108, shoulder strap 136, and groin strap 140 forms a continuous loop of strapping (see FIG. 2E).

Further, the middle longitudinal strap 108 attaches to a vehicle latch via a ring 116, hook 120, clip, and/or other attachment device. The middle longitudinal strap 108 then extends along the length of the CRS 100 behind the child's back. As the middle longitudinal strap 108 emerges from a bottom of the CRS 100, the middle longitudinal strap 108 becomes groin strap 144 that extends between the child's legs and in front of the child's groin. While not shown in FIG. 1C, the groin strap may end with a buckle adapted to attach the shoulder straps 136, hip straps 140, and the groin strap 144 together in front of the child's groin.

The CRS 100 depicted in FIG. 1C also includes optional auxiliary straps 104 to further strengthen the CRS 100. Two auxiliary straps 104 immediately adjacent one another are shown running longitudinally on top of the middle longitudinal strap 108 in FIG. 1C. Further, two additional auxiliary straps 104 are shown oriented at an angle connecting the outer longitudinal straps 108 to the middle longitudinal strap 108. The auxiliary straps 104 reinforce the strength of the CRS 100. In other implementations, a greater or fewer quantity of auxiliary straps 104 may be used in various configurations to strengthen the CRS 100.

Further, length of the longitudinal straps 108, lateral support strap 124, shoulder straps 136, hip straps 140, and/or groin strap 144 can be varied through the use of adjustors (not shown). Rings, hooks, clips, and/or other attachment devices are utilized at the ends of the longitudinal straps 108 to attach the CRS 100 to the vehicle latches.

In combination, the auxiliary straps 104, longitudinal straps 108, and lateral support strap 124 form a framework to which a back support (not shown) as described above in FIG. 1A may be attached. In the implementation of FIG. 1C, the back support extends horizontally across the entire width of the CRS 100 and vertically from the top horizontal support strap 124 to the bottom of the CRS 100. Alternate implementations of the CRS 100 include various number and arrangements of the longitudinal straps 108, lateral support straps 124, and auxiliary straps 104. Further, in alternative implementations the back support 128 spans only a portion of the framework.

The CRS 100 of FIG. 1C may have example dimensions as follows. In various implementations, the height (c) of back support is approximately 14 inches and the distance (e) the back support extends above the lateral support strap 124 is approximately 2 inches. The width at the top (f) of the back support is approximately 7 inches while the width may progressively widen toward the bottom of the CRS 100. The width at the bottom (g) of the back support is approximately 10 inches. These example dimensions are for purposes of illustration only and other dimensions may also be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the CRS 100 disclosed herein.

FIG. 2A is an isometric view of an example CRS 100 attached to a seatback 252 of a vehicle. Similar to the CRS 100 depicted in FIGS. 1A-1C, the CRS 200 of FIG. 2A includes a framework 246, a back support 228, and a five-point harness 232. Further, the CRS 200 is configured to rest against the vehicle seatback 252 and free ends of the framework 246 are configured to selectively attach to latches 250 fixed to the vehicle, thereby securing the CRS 200 to the vehicle seatback 252. The latches 250 may be located anywhere in the vehicle accessible from the seatback 252 (e.g., top of the seatback 252, vehicle floorboard, vehicle roof, and seat frame).

FIG. 2B is an isometric view of an example framework 246 attached to a seatback 252 of a vehicle. As discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1A-1C, the framework 246 includes at least two longitudinal straps 208 and one or more lateral support straps 224. The degree of adjustability of an associated five-point harness is dependant upon the number and location of the longitudinal support straps 208 and the lateral support straps 224. In the implementation depicted in FIG. 2B, there are three lateral support straps 224. The ends of the longitudinal straps 208 have attachment devices (e.g., rings, hooks, and clips) that are configured to selectively attach to latches 250 fixed to the vehicle.

FIG. 2C is an isometric view of an example framework 246 and back support 228 attached to a seatback 252 of a vehicle. As discussed above with respect to FIG. 1A, the back support 228 may be attached to the framework 246 and extends horizontally across the entire width of the CRS 100 and vertically from the top horizontal support strap 224 to the bottom horizontal support strap 224 in some implementations.

FIG. 2D is an isometric view of an example five-point harness 232 to be used in conjunction with a framework to make up a CRS. As discussed above, the five-point harness 232 includes two shoulder straps 236, a hip strap 240, and a groin strap 244 that are affixed together except in front and at the center of the child's waist or groin, where they meet and are selectively attached together with a buckle 248.

FIG. 2E is an isometric view of an example longitudinal strap 208, shoulder strap 236 and hip strap 240 configured as one continuous strap 259 to be used with a CRS. Similar to the implementation shown in FIG. 1C, the straps shown in FIG. 2E are configured as a continuous strap 259, however, other implementations may have separate longitudinal straps 208, shoulder straps 236, and/or hip straps 240 attached to the ends of one another to form the strap shown in FIG. 2E.

One end of the shoulder strap 236 begins with an adjustor 212 that is adapted to receive an opposite free end of the continuous strap 259 and adjust the size of a loop formed by the continuous strap 259 fed into the adjustor 212. The shoulder strap 236 proceeds upward along a restrained child's abdomen and chest and wraps over the child's shoulders. Then the shoulder strap 236 becomes the longitudinal strap 208 and extends behind the child's back downward toward the bottom of the CRS. As the longitudinal strap 208 extends from the bottom of the CRS, it is fed through a hook 220 that is adapted to attach the CRS to a vehicle latch. When the longitudinal strap emerges from the hook 220, it becomes the hip strap 240 that then wraps around the front of the child's hips and the free end is adapted to be fed into the adjustor 212 so that the size of the loop formed by the continuous strap 259 may be adjusted for the child's size and orientation of an associated vehicle latch.

As shown in FIG. 2E, a male portion of a buckle 250 is located on the continuous strap 259 between the hip strap 240 and shoulder strap 236 and the male portion of the buckle 250 is adapted to attach to a female portion of the buckle 248 attached to a groin strap (see e.g., FIG. 2F). In some implementations, the male portion of the buckle 250 is fixed to one location on the continuous strap 259. In other implementations, the male portion of the buckle 250 is slideably attached to the continuous strap 259 and may be moved to a desired location on the continuous strap 259. Further, the adjustor 212 may be located in various positions on the continuous strap 259 as desired. Finally, an optional chest buckle 257 is adapted to selectively secure the shoulder strap 236 to another shoulder strap 236 across the child's chest.

FIG. 2F is a partial front view of an example five-point harness 232 to be used with a CRS. In this implementation, shoulder straps 236 extending over a restrained child's shoulders and chest continue through separate male portions of a buckle 250 and emerge from the male portions of the buckle 250 as hip straps 240 that wrap around the child's hips or waist. Groin strap 244 extends between the child's legs in front of his/her groin and ends with a female portion of the buckle 248. The male portions of the buckle 250 are adapted to selectively attach to the female portion of the buckle 248. Further, adjustors 212 located on the shoulder straps 236, hip straps 240, and/or groin strap 244 are adapted to adjust the length of the shoulder straps 236, hip straps 240, and/or groin strap 244 to securely fit the restrained child.

FIG. 3A is an elevation view of an example front-facing CRS 300 incorporating a booster seat 364 positioned on top of a vehicle seat. The CRS 300 is equipped with an optional booster 364, mounted on top of a seat bottom 358 and adjacent to a seatback 352, to elevate a smaller child to a height appropriate for safe use of the CRS 300. A front seatback 360 is shown to illustrate the position of the CRS 300 when installed on a rear vehicle seat.

FIG. 3B is an isometric view of an example booster seat 364 to be used in conjunction with a front-facing CRS 300. The booster seat 362 is positioned on top of a seat bottom and in some implementations is equipped with a positioning strap 355 that is attached to the sides of the booster seat 362 and wraps around the rear of the booster seat 362. Longitudinal straps 308 extend from hooks 320 that are attached to latches on the vehicle (not shown in FIG. 3) through a seat crevasse 354 between a seatback and the seat bottom. The longitudinal straps 308 further extend between the positioning strap 355 and a rear of the booster seat 362 and are attached to a framework of the CRS 300. Further, the CRS 300 is secured by extending a longitudinal strap 308 from the top of the framework to another vehicle latch.

The positioning strap 355 prevents the booster seat 364 from substantial lateral movement thus ensuring that the booster seat 364 remains in front of the CRS 300 during use. Further, the positioning strap 355 may allow the booster seat 364 to slide vertically so that the booster seat 364 remains positioned directly adjacent a top of the seat bottom while the CRS 300 is adjusted vertically through the use of one or more adjustors.

FIG. 4A is a top view of an example CRS 400 incorporating an auxiliary strap 404 in a rear-facing configuration. The CRS 400 includes two longitudinal straps 408 with attachment devices configured to attach the CRS 400 to vehicle latches. The longitudinal straps 408 run generally parallel from one end of the CRS 400 to the other end of the CRS 400. The CRS 400 also includes an optional auxiliary strap 404 to further attach the CRS 400 to the latches. Anchor points 465 are also utilized to attach the CRS 400 to the latches. Depending upon the number and configuration of the latches, or other attachment points on the vehicle, one or more auxiliary straps 404 may be used. Further, hooks 420 and/or other attachment devices are utilized at the ends of the auxiliary strap 404 and longitudinal straps 408 to attach the CRS 400 to the latches. Lateral support straps 424 connect the auxiliary strap 404 and longitudinal straps 408 together.

In combination, the auxiliary strap 404, longitudinal straps 408, and lateral support straps 424 form a framework 446 to which a back support 428 may be attached. The back support 428 may include padding (e.g., foam, batting, and gel), covering (e.g., nylon mesh, cotton fabric, and rubber), and/or reinforcement (e.g. vertical and/or horizontal ribbing, paperboard, and reinforced fabric). In the implementation of FIG. 4A, the back support 428 extends horizontally across the entire width of the CRS 400 and vertically from the top lateral support strap 424 to the bottom lateral support strap 424. In other implementations, the back support 428 spans only a portion of the framework 446.

The CRS 400 also includes a five-point harness 432 made up of shoulder straps 436 with adjustors 412, a hip strap 440, and a groin strap 444 with a buckle 448. The harness 432 is attached to the auxiliary strap 404, longitudinal straps 408, and/or lateral support straps 424 for securing the child in the CRS 400. An example five-point harness 432 is described in detail with respect to FIG. 1A.

FIG. 4B is a top view of an example CRS 400 in a rear-facing configuration. Similar to the implementation of FIG. 4A, the CRS 400 of FIG. 4B, includes a framework 446 made up of longitudinal straps 408, lateral support straps 424, and auxiliary straps 404. A back support may be attached to the framework. Further, the CRS 400 of FIG. 4B includes two outer longitudinal straps 408 adapted to attach to a front vehicle seat, front vehicle seat frame, or to latches near a front vehicle seat. The outer longitudinal straps 408 extend into the framework of the CRS 400 and unlike the implementation of FIG. 4A, the outer longitudinal straps 408 of CRS 400 of FIG. 4B terminate within the framework at one end of auxiliary straps 404. The auxiliary straps 404 carry the load of the outer longitudinal straps 408 to a central longitudinal strap 408 that extends from a lateral support strap 124 out of the framework and is selectively attached to a vehicle latch located on or behind a rear seat back. One or more additional lateral support straps 124 may be utilized to laterally strengthen the CRS 400. In the CRS 400 shown in FIG. 4B, there are four lateral support straps 424.

The CRS 400 of FIG. 4B also includes a five-point harness 432 made up of shoulder straps 436, a hip strap 440, and a groin strap 444. The harness 432 is attached to longitudinal straps 408 and/or lateral support straps 424 for securing a child in the CRS 400. An example five-point harness 432 is described in detail with respect to FIG. 1A.

The CRS 400 of FIG. 4B may have example dimensions as follows. In various implementations, the height (c) of the back support is approximately 34 inches. The width at the top (f) of the back support is approximately 13 inches while the width may progressively widen, narrow, or remain the same toward the bottom of the CRS 400. These example dimensions are for purposes of illustration only and other dimensions may also be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the CRS 400 disclosed herein.

FIG. 5A is an isometric view of a first example rear-facing CRS 500 adapted to attach to front and rear seats of a vehicle. Similar to the implementation depicted in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the CRS harness 500 in FIG. 5 includes a framework 546, a back support 528, and a five-point harness 532. In a rear facing configuration, the framework 546 utilizes a set of longitudinal straps 508 and a set of crevice straps 570 to attach the CRS 500 to the vehicle. The first ends of the crevice straps 570 are attached to points along the length of the longitudinal straps 508, i.e. anchor points 566. The second set of free ends of the crevice straps 570 are selectively attached to latches or other attachment points in a crevice 554 between a rear seatback 552 and the rear seat bottom of the vehicle. The first set of free ends of the longitudinal straps 508 are selectively attached to latches fixed to the front seatback 560, the front seatback frame, and/or latches installed near the front seatback. The second set of free ends of the longitudinal straps 508 are selectively attached to latches fixed on or behind the rear seat back 556 of the vehicle.

The resulting fully supported five-point harness 532 is positioned so that the child is safely suspended between the front seatback 560 and rear seatback 552 of the vehicle, in a partially reclining position, facing rearward. Additionally, the position of the crevice straps 570 is adjustable by selecting one of a variety of available anchor points 566. Further, the size of the five-point harness 532 is adjustable by selecting one of a variety of available groin strap slots 567. The size selection of the five-point harness 532 and orientation selection of the anchor points 566 depends on the size of the child to be restrained and the size and orientation of the front and rear seats of the vehicle.

FIG. 5B is an elevation view of a second example CRS 500 adapted to attach to front and rear seats of a vehicle. A framework 546 of CRS 500 is suspended between a front seat and a rear seat of a vehicle by at least three points of contact with the vehicle; a point of contact near a front seatback 508, a point of contact behind a rear seatback 552, and a point of contact in the crevice between the rear seatback 552 and a rear seat bottom 558.

Longitudinal straps 508 extend between a front seatback 508 and a rear seatback 552. First ends of the longitudinal straps 508 connect to the front seatback, front seat frame, and/or latches near the front seat via hooks 520 to create the first point of contact. In the implementation shown in FIG. 5B, the longitudinal straps 508 wrap over the top and extend down the front of the front seatback 508. The longitudinal straps 508 continue through a crevice between the front seatback 508 and the front seat bottom and end in hooks 520 that may connect to the seat frame or latches in the vehicle floorboard, for example.

Hooks 520 on second ends of the longitudinal straps 508 connect to latches behind the rear seatback 552 to create the second point of contact. The latches behind the rear seatback 552 may be located on the floorboard or ceiling, for example. Crevice straps 570 extend from a middle of the longitudinal straps 508, pulling the longitudinal straps 508 downward toward the rear vehicle seat. The crevice straps 570 are attached to latches located in a crevice between the rear seatback 552 and the rear seat bottom 558 via hooks 520 resulting in the third point of contact.

Adjustors 512 may be located on one or more of the longitudinal straps 508 and/or crevice straps 570 to adjust the size and/or orientation of the framework 512. One criterion may be that the angle of the longitudinal straps 508 where the child's back is located may not exceed 70 degrees of angle with respect to the horizontal.

FIG. 5C is a front view of an auxiliary strap 504 for attaching a CRS to a floorboard anchor point on a vehicle. In one implementation, a CRS harness having two or more longitudinal straps 508 needs to be connected to a single latch located on the vehicle. Here, the auxiliary strap 504 for reducing two longitudinal straps 508 to one attachment point for a vehicle latch is shown. Further, the auxiliary strap 504 may be equipped with one or more adjustors 512 for adjusting the length of the auxiliary strap 504 to fit the vehicle. Also, the auxiliary strap 504 may be used to attach the CRS to a front vehicle seat frame by wrapping around the frame (sometimes referred to as a Swedish connection).

FIG. 6A is a left side elevation view of an example front-facing swaddle vest 600 to be used in conjunction with a CRS. The swaddle vest 600 is a separate harness that is attachable to a framework of the CRS when required for use by a smaller child. The swaddle vest 600 includes a front half 668 and a rear half 672 that in combination encompasses a lower portion of the child's body. The front half 668 and the rear half 672 are merged together at the base of the swaddle vest 600 and are selectively attached together near the middle of the swaddle vest 600 via a buckle 676. The child's legs extend though openings between the front half 668 and the rear half 672. The front half 668 of the swaddle vest 600 may extend upwardly to support the child's chest. Any unwanted upward extension of the swaddle vest 600 may be folded over in front of the child's chest. The swaddle vest 600 is equipped with belt loops 680 around the middle of the swaddle vest 600 and at the top of the swaddle vest 600 and a ring 684 at the base of the swaddle vest 600 to secure the swaddle vest 600 to the framework.

FIG. 6B is a left side elevation view of an example rear-facing swaddle vest 600 to be used in conjunction with a CRS. When utilized in a rear-facing configuration, the child is turned around to face the opposite direction in the swaddle vest 600. Accordingly, the front half 668 of the swaddle vest 600 may be unfolded and extended upwardly to support the child's back, neck, and/or head rather than the child's chest as in the front-facing configuration of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C is a front elevation view of an example swaddle vest 600 to be used in conjunction with a CRS. The front half 668 of the swaddle vest 600 is equipped with belt loops 680 running horizontally across a width of the swaddle vest 600 generally in the middle and near the top of the swaddle vest 600. The belt loops 680 are configured for attaching the swaddle vest 600 to a framework of the CRS and optionally for attaching shoulder straps 686 (shown in FIG. 6D).

FIG. 6D is a front elevation view of an example swaddle vest 600 with attached shoulder straps 686 to be used in conjunction with a CRS. The swaddle vest 600 may be used as a child carrier when equipped with shoulder straps 686. The shoulder straps 686 are equipped with hooks 620 that are selectively attached to a ring 684 at the base of the swaddle vest 600. The shoulder straps 686 extend upwardly through belt loops 680 in the middle and near the top of the swaddle vest 600 as depicted in FIG. 6C. The shoulder straps 686 then wrap around the shoulders of a child care provider carrying the child in the swaddle vest 600 and continue to extend downwardly in front of the child care provider's chest where they end with hooks 620 that may be selectively attached to the swaddle vest 600, thus securing the swaddle vest 600 to the child care provider. The shoulder straps 686 may be equipped with adjustors 612 to vary the length of the shoulder straps 686 in accordance with the size of the child care provider.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of an example headrest anchor 700 to be used in conjunction with a CRS. The headrest anchor 700 comprises a plate, generally made of metal or other structural material, fitted between a top surface of a vehicle seat and a bottom surface of a corresponding seat headrest 788. The headrest anchor 700 is secured by inserting headrest posts 790, typically protruding from the bottom surface of the headrest 788, through bracket apertures 792 in the headrest anchor 700. The headrest posts 790 are then fully inserted in apertures typically found in the top of the corresponding vehicle seat. Consequently, the headrest anchor 700 is prohibited from substantial lateral movement by the bracket apertures 792 and the clamping effect of positioning the headrest anchor 700 directly between the top surface of the vehicle seat and the bottom surface of the seat headrest 788 prevents substantial vertical movement. The position and number of the bracket apertures 792 may vary according to the specific model of vehicle seat. Further, the headrest anchor 700 may include multiple sets of bracket apertures 792 designed for multiple models of vehicle seats. The headrest anchor 700 also includes a CRS aperture 794 for attaching the CRS to the headrest anchor 700.

While discussion of attaching a CRS to a vehicle typically references use of manufacturer installed vehicle latches designed to secure CRSs, other modes of attaching the CRS to the vehicle are contemplated herein. When a vehicle is fairly old, from a foreign country, or not designed for on-road use, the vehicle may not be equipped with manufacturer installed latches. In that case, a user may secure the CRS to user installed latches on the vehicle's interior floorboard, ceiling, or body panels. Further, the user may secure the CRS to vehicle seats and/or seat frames. Still further, the user may utilize the headrest anchor 700 shown in FIG. 7. Any and all of these methods of attachment may be used in place of the latches referenced throughout this disclosure.

FIG. 8A is an isometric view of an example body containment bumper 800 to be used in conjunction with a CRS. The bumper 800 is configured to be permanently or selectively attached to a back support and/or framework of a CRS. Various implementations of a selective attachment include, but are not limited to hook-and-loop, buttons, clasps, snaps, and buckles. The bumper 800 extends above the framework to partially surround a restrained child. This configuration helps prevent the child from shifting within the CRS and cushions any shifting that the child experiences caused by an abrupt change in motion of the vehicle. The bumper 800 may be constructed of padding (e.g., foam, batting, and gel), covering (e.g., nylon mesh, cotton fabric, and rubber), and/or reinforcement (e.g. vertical and/or horizontal ribbing, paperboard, and reinforced fabric) as long as the bumper 800 is soft enough to cushion the child's movements and rigid enough to prevent excessive child movements.

While the size and shape of the bumper 800 may vary considerably in various implementations, the bumper 800 of FIG. 8A is horseshoe shaped with a rectangular cross-section. The bumper 800 is approximately 19 inches long and 13 inches wide. The rectangular cross section is approximately 1.5 inches wide by 3 inches tall.

FIG. 8B is an isometric view of a first example head guard 810 to be used in conjunction with a CRS. In addition to or in lieu of a body containment bumper 800, the CRS may utilize a head guard 810. The head guard 810 is smaller than the bumper 800 and is designed to cushion and prevent excessive movement of the restrained child's head rather than the child's entire body. In some implementations, the head guard 810 is designed to fit inside the bumper 800 so that both the bumper 800 and the head guard 810 may be used simultaneously in a CRS. In other implementations, the bumper 800 or head guard 810 may be used alone in a CRS.

Similar to the bumper 800, the head guard 810 is configured to be permanently or selectively attached to a back support and/or framework of the CRS. Various implementations of a selective attachment include, but are not limited to hook-and-loop, buttons, clasps, snaps, and buckles. Further, the head guard 810 may be constructed of padding (e.g., foam, batting, and gel), covering (e.g., nylon mesh, cotton fabric, and rubber), and/or reinforcement (e.g. vertical and/or horizontal ribbing, paperboard, and reinforced fabric) as long as the head guard 810 is soft enough to cushion the child's head movements and rigid enough to prevent excessive head movements.

While the size and shape of the head guard 810 may vary considerably in various implementations, the head guard 810 of FIG. 8B is horseshoe shaped with a rectangular cross-section and adapted to fit inside the bumper 800 of FIG. 8A. Consequently, the bumper 800 is approximately 10 inches wide and may be any length less than the 19 inch length of the bumper 800. The rectangular cross section of the head guard 810 is also approximately 1.5 inches wide by 3 inches tall.

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a second example head guard 900 to be used in conjunction with a CRS. In the implementation of FIG. 9, the head guard 900 includes a flat cushion 968 with curved bolsters 970 on each side. The flat cushion 968 is adapted to rest on a framework and/or back support of the CRS where a restrained child's head is placed. The bolsters 970 extend on each side of the child's head to prevent excessive movement of the child's head and/or cushion movement of the child's head.

Similar to the bumper 800 and head guard 810, head guard 900 is configured to be permanently or selectively attached to a back support and/or framework of the CRS. Various implementations of a selective attachment include, but are not limited to hook-and-loop, buttons, clasps, snaps, and buckles. Further, the head guard 900 may be constructed of padding (e.g., foam, batting, and gel), covering (e.g., nylon mesh, cotton fabric, and rubber), and/or reinforcement (e.g. vertical and/or horizontal ribbing, paperboard, and reinforced fabric) as long as the head guard 900 is soft enough to cushion the child's head movements and rigid enough to prevent excessive head movements.

In the implementation shown in FIG. 9, the head guard 900 utilizes a sleeve 972 adapted to receive a head guard strap 974 attached to the CRS framework and/or back support. The head guard strap 974 may also be a longitudinal strap. This configuration allows the head guard 974 to be easily repositioned longitudinally to a desired eight appropriate to guard the restrained child's head.

All directional references (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, front, back, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, radial, axial, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the present invention, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the invention. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a collection of elements and relative movement between elements unless otherwise indicated. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. The exemplary drawings are for purposes of illustration only and the dimensions, positions, order and relative sizes reflected in the drawings attached hereto may vary.

The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments of the invention as defined in the claims. Although various embodiments of the claimed invention have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the claimed invention. Other embodiments are therefore contemplated. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only of particular embodiments and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the basic elements of the invention as defined in the following claims. 

1. A rear-facing child restraint system comprising a framework having a first longitudinal strap with longitudinal ends; an adjustment device moveably attached to the first longitudinal strap to adjust a length of the first longitudinal strap; a first attachment device affixed to a first longitudinal end of the first longitudinal strap for direct selective attachment to an attachment structure of a vehicle on or behind a rear seatback of a vehicle; two outer longitudinal straps spaced apart from the first longitudinal strap and having forward ends; two or more lateral straps affixed directly to the first longitudinal strap and the two outer longitudinal straps; a back support affixed to the first longitudinal strap, the two outer longitudinal straps, and to two or more of the two or more lateral straps; a child restraint harness connected to the framework and configured to restrain a body of a child from substantial movement within the child restraint harness; two crevice straps, each with a first end and a second end, wherein the first ends are directly connected to the framework, the child restraint harness, or both, and second attachment devices affixed to each second longitudinal end of the crevice straps; wherein the framework is divided into a back support section and a seatback section that are configured to form an angle of not more than 70 degrees with respect to each other; when the back support section is positioned over a rear seat cushion of the vehicle, the seatback section is positioned against a rear seatback of the vehicle; the second attachment devices on the crevice straps are configured for direct selective attachment to respective attachment structures of the vehicle located in a crevice between the rear seatback and the rear seat cushion of the vehicle; and the forward ends of the two outer longitudinal straps extend from the back support section and are configured for direct selective attachment to respective attachment structures of the vehicle beneath a front seat of the vehicle. 